AIR POLLUTION IN RWANDA

AIR POLLUTION IN RWANDA

An air pollution is when the air contains some pollutants, gases or fumes in amounts that are harmful to both human and animal health.

It comes about when burning fuels, from pesticide use, fumes from industries and automobiles, mining operation, as well as indoor pollutants. For example, there are some paints that are used inside houses that can also produce volatile organic compounds that can be inhaled leading asthma and sinusitis.

The air pollution challenge is affecting Rwanda where more than 2000 people died in year 2012, attributed to air pollution. In Rwanda Major sources of air pollution include agricultural burning, cook fires, charcoal making, kerosene lightning, brick kilns, and older diesel generators/vehicles. That's why the Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) recently commissioned a study to assess the major sources of air pollution in Rwanda. Only by knowing the problem can we adequately respond to address it.

The study provides an understanding of air quality in Rwanda by identifying sources of pollution, establishing a baseline, and developing related strategy and policy recommendations to mitigate air pollution.

CO and O3 measurements were also used to help discriminate between periods of heavy burning and periods of pollution transport from Kigali, which may have more black carbon contribution from diesel and generators.

While air pollution can sometimes be difficult to conceptualize, there are simple steps we can all take to reduce our contribution to the problem. We can switch from cooking with wood and charcoal to clean alternatives such as gas and electricity. Also, as Rwandan economy mostly depends on agricultural sector, yet it´s not well developed We can work with farmers to stop the burning of fields and instead plant trees. And we can drive less, regularly service our cars and avoid keeping the engine running when parked (Kathryn Potter, 2017)

Bibliography

Kathryn Potter, M. (2017, 03 17). Air pollution in Rwanda, a growing East African country. Retrieved 05 2018, 2018, from http://www.igacproject.org/sites/IGACConference2016/IGAC2016_Abstracts/1.004_DeWitt.pdf